With the first day of school set to begin on Tuesday, at least 1,850 public school students are expected to head back to campus for the new 2025-2026 academic year.
The largest district in terms of student population, Glen Lake Community Schools, estimates a total of 825 students to start this fall, an increase from the previous year’s number of 790. For the last several years, Glen Lake has seen a steady increase in its K-12 student enrollment.
At Suttons Bay Public School, the district estimates anywhere between 340365 K-12 students to begin next week, a significant decrease from the previous year reported combined total of 551 students. The previous year’s first day of school estimates for the district included enrollment for in-seat, Great Start Readiness Program, and virtual school students. However, for the first time since 2009, Suttons Bay will not be offering a virtual program, changing the school’s focus to in-person students only.
In terms of enrollment, Suttons Bay Principal Chris Reeves told the school board this month that the district has 28 new students coming in grades K-5, including 11 GSRP rollovers; one School of Choice student and eight families (first time, never there before) have enrolled 12 new students. In grades 6-12, there are five new students, including two from virtual school.
Leland Public School enrollment will also see a K-12 increase, going from approximately 425 students last fall to 445 this year. School officials report that almost all students are returning, along with the addition of some new families and a large incoming class of 2026 made up of 34 expected graduates. In addition, another draw for the district announced this month highlights how the high school has been recognized as the #8 high school in the state of Michigan in the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report rankings of the Best High Schools.
Northport Public School, Leelanau County’s smallest district located at the tip of the peninsula, anticipates welcoming back about 120 students in the fall, down 10 students from the previous year’s first day estimate of 130.
Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy, a charter school that serves children ages 1-12 years-old in Lake Leelanau, estimates 110 students to start on Tuesday, a slight decrease from the previous year’s total of 126 students.
